The Daily Dispatch: July 16, 1861., [Electronic resource]

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The last battle.

We give in another column such particulars as we have been able to gather of the battle in Western Virginia, between a few hundred heroic Virginians and an immensely superior force-- stated by some accounts as high as twelve thousand--who were held at bay by our Spartan band for two hours, an achievement which was never surpassed in the best days of Greece and Rome, and which should inspire with encouragement and emulation every Southern bosom. Our deepest sympathies are with the friends of those glorious men who have fallen in defence of their native land, but who have left behind them a name--one which will be as grand and imperishable as the mountains which they have consecrated with their pure and noble blood.

It is now evident, as we have long believe, that the real demonstration against Virginia is to be made in the West by McClellan's column, which some accounts represent at more than 30,000 men. It ought to be easy to defend the passes of the Alleghanies with a much inferior force, and we take it for granted that the Government will have a force there which will prevent the further advance of the enemy.

The conduct of Capt. De Lanier, formerly of Petersburg, commanding an Artillery company in the late battle, is said to have been beyond all praise. After his men had all been out down, he is said to have loaded and fired one of the pieces himself five times, and after be received his mortal wound, discharged his revolver, killing two of the enemy.